A former magistrate judge in New Mexico and his wife, accused of helping a Venezuelan gang member evade law enforcement, have been released from custody while awaiting trial.

Joel Cano, who previously served as a magistrate judge in Doña Ana County, and his wife, Nancy Cano, each posted $10,000 bond Tuesday, according to court records. Both face charges of tampering with evidence after federal agents raided their Las Cruces home last month, Fox News reports.

New Mexico Democrat Judge Joel Cano abruptly resigned after ICE uncovered he was harboring a Tren de Aragua gang member on his property.

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The charges stem from a January 2025 tip received by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), which indicated that Cristhian Ortega-Lopez — described in a federal complaint as a member of Tren de Aragua, a designated foreign terrorist organization — was staying at a residence in Las Cruces while unlawfully present in the United States and possessing firearms.

“Nancy and Jose Cano are the owners of the Premises,” the complaint stated.

Ortega-Lopez reportedly crossed into the U.S. illegally from Mexico in 2023 by climbing over a barbed wire fence. He was initially hired by Nancy Cano to perform home repairs before being allowed to live in the Canos’ guesthouse, according to court documents.

Unbelievable…

Tom Homan and ICE got a tip that a Tren de Aragua gang member was living with Judge Joel Cano. He and his wife were arrested.

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He is now facing charges for being an illegal immigrant in possession of firearms and/or ammunition.

Federal authorities conducted a search of the Canos’ home on April 24 in an effort to recover Ortega’s missing cellphone. During questioning, Joel Cano allegedly told investigators that he had destroyed the phone earlier in the year.

“Specifically, Jose Cano stated that he destroyed the cellphone and further admitted that he believed the cellphone contained photos or videos that would reflect negatively on Ortega,” the complaint reads. “Through further questioning, agents ascertained that Jose Cano destroyed the cellphone, believing that it contained photographs of Ortega holding firearms that Ortega had uploaded onto social media platforms which would be additional incriminating evidence against him.”

Other phones seized from Ortega allegedly contained messages linking him to the Tren de Aragua gang and images of him with firearms and ammunition. Investigators say videos posted on social media showed Ortega firing “an AR-15 style rifle with a suppressor” at metal targets.

Joel Cano stepped down from his judicial post in March. The New Mexico Supreme Court followed with an order last month permanently banning him from serving in any judicial role in the state.

If convicted, both Joel and Nancy Cano could face up to 15 years in prison.

“The rule of law is very simple: It doesn’t matter what line of work you’re in. If you break the law, we will follow the facts, and we will prosecute you,” Attorney General Pam Bondi said in a video message last week.